LORD of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen has visited secondary schools in the borough to talk about gay rights and his own battle against homophobia.

The Tony Award-winning actor was at Bethnal Green Technology College and Morpeth School as part of a nation-wide tour to raise awareness about homophobia.

The tour is organised by gay rights charity Stonewall, which Sir Ian co-founded.

He spoke to youngsters about growing up in a time when homosexuality was still illegal and his own experiences being bullied.

Sir Ian, who lives in Limehouse, said: “Until I visited secondary schools recently, I hadn’t realised how much anti-gay bullying goes on throughout the education system. By talking frankly about my own life as a gay man and listening to the concerns of staff and students, parents and governors, I hope the visits arranged by Stonewall may make a difference in the classroom and the playground and also give confidence to gay students about their lives in the future.”

Youngsters also got a chance to quiz the Academy Award nominated actor on his experiences.

He said: “I remember ten years ago when I was called a ‘batty boy’ and then pushed against a wall in broad daylight in London. I was very shocked by the incident,” adding: “I did go through a phase of trying to hide my sexuality as a young man and remember losing one film part as a producer thought I couldn’t play a straight part.”

Research carried out for Stonewall by You.Gov revealed that teachers thought homophobic bullying was more prevalent within schools than racist bullying.